POSTS TAGGED : Pop

Introducing: Pelydron

Pelydron is the moniker of Keith Jones, the North Wales-raised purveyor of meandering cosmic dream-pop explorations.

Formerly a bassist in high-speed surf weirdos Texas Pete and punky indie-poppers Navvy, Jones now based in Birmingham, devised Pelydron after the purchase of a banana yellow bass guitar in the summer of 2020.

‘Canghenion’ is the debut single from Pelydron; featuring Jones on bass, guitar and assorted drum-machines It’ll reduce your heartrate with aural idylls of phaser, fuzz and reverb. Underpinned by a steady robo-beat, it is an epic nine-minute instrumental meander through melty melodies, jingle-jangle guitars, fuzz and distortion all bathed in psychedelic brushstrokes and cosmic awe. It is an expansive and dreamy psych jam with an experimental twist taking one on an intrepid excursion to the stars. This free-floating melodic mesmerism is matched by a lulling air of a sultry breeze,

Tune in to the sedate sounds below:

ROTATION ROUND-UP #4

Time is becoming increasingly precious and difficult to obtain these days but I still have a grá on me for blogging.

So, this is an attempt cover more of what I am listening to on a regular basis, with a relatively quick roundup of what has been on rotation over the past week or two.

Enjoy!

Adwaith – ‘ETO’

Welsh outfit Adwaith – Hollie Singer, Gwenllian Anthony & Heledd Owen – will release the follow-up to their wonderful and Welsh Music Prize winning debut with new album Bato Mato on July 1st via Libertino Records. The new record is led by ‘ETO’, a soaring evocative guitar driven adventure brimming with confidence and ideas. It is shimmering, evocative, life-affirming and moving, and bursting with open-hearted soaring melody’s and lyrical vulnerability – instantly sweeping us along with this stirring anthem. This is Adwaith at their finest; you will be replaying, again and again, and again.

Many Voices Speak – ‘Within Reach’

Many Voices Speak – the project of Swedish musician Matilda Mård – has announced her return with second album Gestures, released on 29th April 2022 via Strangers Candy.

A master of misty-eyed, melancholic and hazy indie-pop, Many Voices Speak has always found its power in its ability to capture an eternity in an expression; found in abundance on her debut and lead single ‘Within Reach’. A six-minute long reflective slow burn that just brims with beauty, as Mård’s elegant, yearning dream-pop makes the world seem to slow down around it, where time stretches out, and you become totally immersed in it. ‘Within Reach’ showcases Mård’s continued growth as a songwriter, one more comfortable in her own skin.

Komla MC vs Fold – ‘Victoria Falls’

Komla MC vs Fold is the unlikely combination of two expats in Leeds, UK. Hailing from Accra and New York respectively, Rob (Komla MC) and Seth (of the band Fold) were brought together by having kids at the same school and united in their undying love of hip hop. Given that Seth’s work with Hip-Hop/Trip Hop outfit Fold has a rep for funky, groovy and cool sounds, it is no surprise that this delivers a healthy dose of all three pitted with a fun and cheeky sensibility. Hopefully there is more to come from this collab – top marks!

The AM – ‘On Joy Road’

The AM – AKA Ann-Marie Teasley – is a DJ with a penchant for Techno and Electro that started out as a classical violinist in Detroit. The AM is releasing her debut EP Black Majik on March 11, and comes fronted by ‘On Joy Road’; an Electro-influenced jam named after the long, dual-carriageway street that connects the centre of Detroit to Nankin Lake and the enclaves on the city’s west side. It is urgent and intense while simultaneously elegant as a hypnotic spell is spun by frantic up-tempo snappy beats, claps, rippling electronics and winding synths, while a warped vocal sample and woozy flourishes fade in and out of view. A mesmerising and thumping dancefloor ready banger.

Clwb Fuzz – ‘Sertraline’

Cardiff outfit Clwb Fuzz return with new single ‘Sertraline’; a magnificent blaze of fuzzed-up spiralling psychedelic-rock. Burning guitars fuzz, ominous eerie synths and swaying, pendulumic percussion, set the swirling stage for Emily Kocan’s haunting vocals, regaling vivid and sometimes far too real dreams, occurring as a side-effect of taking antidepressants. Unsettling paranoid introspection has never sounded so glorious.

Rotation Roundup #2

Time is becoming increasingly precious and difficult to obtain these days but I still have a grá on me for blogging.

So, this is an attempt cover more of what I am listening to on a regular basis, with a relatively quick roundup of what has been on rotation over the past week or two.

The aim is to keep them coming on a weekly / biweekly basis or failing that, I may as well pack this malarkey in altogether.

Panic Shack – ‘Mannequin Man‘

Cardiff noisemakers Panic Shack will release their debut EP, Baby Shack EP, on April 8th via Brace Yourself Records and ahead of which, they have shared lead single ‘Mannequin Man‘.The track is exactly what you’d expect from Panic Shack; a raw, spiky and incendiary punky cut bursting with bouncy basslines, chant along vocals, hooks galore and plenty of attitude. A rip roaring return, the forthcoming EP promises to be quite something.

Lyndsey Lawlor – ‘Love, Lust, Indifference & Hatred’

Lyndsey Lawlor is a Dublin spoken word artist who has teamed up with Kildare producer Gary O’Reilly (Mix & Fairbanks) for new album, Dearest Philistine, released in January. The album came to fruition with Lawlor locked down away from her band and creating an entire record with O’Reilly. ‘Love, Lust, Indifference & Hatred’ is the latest single lifted from the album, Lawlor’s vocals brimming with a positive and hopeful air flow cooly above a beautiful blend of warm, fluffy electronics that shimmer above a soft pattering of captivating beats. 

Peaness – ‘How I’m Feeling’

Longstanding BG favs Peaness have announced their debut album. The Chester trio will release World Full of Worry via their own Totally Snick Records on 6th May, preceded by new single ‘How I’m Feeling’.

Having charmed our ears for years with their irresistible brand of melodic, indie-pop goodness, and latest single is no different. Propelled by a playful, sunny energy juxtaposed by reflecting on the self-loathing and melancholy that can come from being stuck in an unfulfilling job, whilst offering a sense of hope that you can make a positive change. It is insanely catchy, littered with gloriously glossy harmonies, honey-sweet vocals and uplifting jangling hooks . Yet another gem from Peaness who have a propensity for such magic you know.

Listen to ‘How I’m Feeling’ below.

MEMES – ‘Second Thought’

Glasgow’s self-proclaimed “laptop-rock” duo MEMES – composed of cousins John and Paul McLinden – are back with another scintillating slice of fiery and fierce post-punk in the shape of ‘Second Thought’. Unleashed with a feverish intensity, it underlines all there is to love about this tempestuous pairing; unpredictable and unconventional ‘Second Thought’ is fuelled by an erratic, jerky punk electricity and coiled up bassline while the raspy vocals dance over the jagged rhythms and meaty stomp. A thrilling and exhilarating jam; brilliant from MEMES, who have nailed it again.

Astrosurf – ‘Highlife’

Astrosurf are a Toronto based trio with a penchant for freeflowing blues-rock leaning surf sounds, inspired by the cosmos, the open range and seas (like a harder edged, blues embracing version of Wales’ Y Niwl).

The trio’s latest release, Anything But… came out in December of last year and ‘Highlife’ is the latest single lifted from it. ‘Highlife’ perfectly captures the essence of Astrosurf in just under four minutes; it is marvelously scuzzy, unfurling with a lifeforce of its own packed with seductive grooves, meandering catchy  melodies and lashing of fuzz, feedback and mighty reverb laden riffs and licks. To their credit, Astrosurf sound familiar yet authentic, carving their own modern day niche that is, in their own words, “music for surfers, cowboys and spies”.

Rotation Roundup #1

Time is becoming increasingly precious and difficult to obtain these days but I still have a grá on me for blogging.

So, in an attempt cover more of what I am listening to on a regular basis, here is a quick roundup of what has been on rotation over the past week or two.

I’ll try keep them coming on a weekly / biweekly basis or failing that, I might as well pack this malarkey in altogether.

Melody’s Echo Chamber – ‘Looking Backward’

Melody’s Echo Chamber aka Melody Prochet has announced a new album, Emotional Eternal, which is due April 29 via Domino. The record will be the French musician’s third album and first new music since her excellent 2018 record Bon Voyage. Emotional Eternal is preceded by single ‘Looking Backward’; a dreamy and intoxicating psychedelic pop song with layers of shimmering synths, colours, soft grooves and woozy tones, with Prochet’s recognisable soft but euphoric vocals drifting above.

The first sampling of the new material is all that we would have hoped for and some.

Cate Le Bon – ‘Remembering Me’

Cate Le Bon has released her sixth album Pompeii, follow-up to 2019’s Reward, it is fronted by single ‘Remembering Me’. Difficult to box-off with a taste for offbeat folk but an equal propensity for psych, Le Bon is a treasure and ‘Remembering Me’ reminds us why. Sitting on a cool yet wonky waltzing groove Le Bon’s vocals are as otherworldly and stunning as ever while flourish of guitar appear amid an austere atmosphere; the latter reflected in the introspective and weary lyrics.

Looking forward to sinking the teeth into the album – there is also a rare and great interview in the Guardian for those interested.

Silverbacks – ‘A Job Worth Something’

Dublin-based post-punk outfit Silverbacks have kicked off 2022 in style with new album Archive Material, the follow-up to their superb 2020 debut Fad. The new record continues their propensity for brilliance; a colorful, vivid and exuberant record built upon irresistible grooves and propulsive rhythms, it is spearheaded by lead single ‘A Job Worth Something’. We find Daniel reflecting on his experiences working in insurance while his sister treated patients in a COVID ward, marked by the feelings of futility and guilt he felt at the time. A tight and pointed tune filled alluring guitars, hooks and jangly groove that veers from melodic meander to super focused.

More brilliance from long standing BG favs.

Deadletter – ‘Pop Culture Connoisseur’

Released toward the end of last year, ‘Pop Culture Connoisseur’ signalled the signing of Yorkshire outfit DEADLETTER to the always interesting indie label Nice Swan Records. Lyrically serious yet surreal, musically, it is brash and boisterous (yet very groovy) as a wall of post-punk, dubby bassline, swaggering guitars and impassioned vocals set the blistering tone. Think Gang of Four, Franz Ferdinand and lots of bite. Stellar stuff.

Simple Kid – ‘Failed Musician’

Another released and missed late last year, London-based Irish artist Simple Kid (aka Ciaran McFeely) continued his drip feeding of new material following a long period of musical hibernation with ‘Failed Musician’. A jaunty jam riffing on ‘I Feel Free’ by Cream, guitars glisten and shimmer atop a chugging bassline while McFeely’s recognizable vocals thrive amid the warm tones, charm and general sparkle. Long standing patrons will be aware of my fondness for Simple Kid, his two records – SK1 in 2003 and SK2 in 2006 – are also worth your time.


Fleur bleu.e – ‘Sun’

Fleur bleu.e are Paris-based dream-pop pairing of Delphine and Vladimir who met in 2019 and bonded over a mutual love of The Smiths, Beach House, Françoise Hardy and Elli et Jacno among others, and a desire to craft music that was emotionally ambiguous while being fueled by their teenage myths. And thus Fleur bleu.e came into being.

The pair introduced their woozy indie-meets-dream-pop stylings back in April with ‘STOLT 89’ and they are back with another bewitching beauty in ‘Sun’. A dreamy, mellow and hazy sojourn to a world of blissful atmospheric splendor, rich dreamy vocals purr with melodic allure atop a gentle waltzing undulating groove while guitars shimmer, twang and flicker while bathed in a warm blanket of mild fuzz. It is beautiful, dreamy and hypnotic dream-pop perfection – yet again.

Listen to ‘Sun’ below now – guaranteed to brighten up your day and wash away any January blues.

Freedom Fry – ‘Ego Trip’

Freedom Fry is held in very high esteem around these parts – no question about that. 

Over the years the prolific pairing of Marie Seyrat and Bruce Driscoll regularly brighten up our lives with charming, catchy and memorable indie-pop jams culminating in 2018 debut LP, Classic, 2020’s Songs from the West Coast, and L’ Invitation earlier this year.

Not content with releasing a new album, Freedom Fry are signing off on 2021 with a new EP, Broken Down on Planet 909, and with it, a new single ‘Ego Trip’. Retaining their signature touches; an ear for hook, melody and harmony amid their charming shimmering sonic delights – ‘Ego Trip’ is rich and heartwarming as it meanders along a gentle waltzing groove while sinuous melodies melt into the warm organ and rich vocals amid a sea of lush and woozy tones. It is just a fabulous track, and one that sees them continue to flirt with electronic elements and all whisked together into a beautiful confection of melodic, dreamy and hazy indie-pop.

Tune in below:

Sub*T – ‘Table for Four’

Based in California, Sub*T are a garage rock duo who’ve got a penchant for laid-back, lo-fi, 90s inspired grunge-tinged indie.

‘Table for Four’ is the latest single from Jade Alcantara and Grace Bennett and it delivers all that and more. Endearingly ramshackle, it introduces us with an easy going languid air as riffs meander amid a mild layer of warm fuzz, there is an overwhelming sense of melancholy and loss. The latter qualities are rendered by the emotional weight of the rousing vocals, which spurs ‘Table of Four’ toward an impassioned, rousing climax that is explosive. Ramshackle indie packed with passion, fuzzed-up distorted guitars, sweet licks and crashing drums – it is a potent blast of noise and distortion that is so pretty damn irresistible – it is rare that just two people can make such an appealing racket. 

A brilliant intro to the pair’s wares, listen to ‘Table of Four’ below. It is lifted from their debut EP So Green, which is coming soon.

Lauran Hibberd – ‘Charlie’s Car’

Lauran Hibberd is an ever reliable source of irresistible blasts of fuzz-filled guitar-pop with a satiric, tongue-in-cheek manner, and wrapped with fuzz, crunchy guitars and anthemic might.

The Isle of Wight native never fails to impress and Hibberd continues this trend with new single ‘Charlie’s Car’. It is the first new material from since the release of the ‘Goober’ EP back in the summer and like the EP, is produced by Suzy Shinn (Weezer, Fall Out Boy). Filled with recognisable attributes that have marked Hibberd’s work to date; it is punchy, potent and powerful with crunching guitars, massive soaring riffs and hooks you could hang your hat on, all bathed in a wall of warm fuzz and distortion. Oh, and it is so catchy. Did we mention it’s catchy? Well it is catchy, so bloody catchy. This fuzz-filled anthem will be bouncing around your head all day long.

Give ‘Charlie’s Car’ a spin below – you’ll be all the better for it.

Louiza – ‘Kind Coincidence’

West Coast multi-instrumentalist Rebecca Mimiaga, aka Louiza, has impressed with a slew of super releases over recent years – Trick (2017) & Swim at Night (2019) & On, Off (2021) – and Louiza is back with a stunning new single ‘Kind Coincidence’.

‘Kind Coincidence’ sees Louiza embrace the synth/electro-pop side of her sound over the crunchy guitars and power pop riffs that marked some of her earlier work but while sweeter, it remains recognizably Louiza’s sound. It is a catchy, groovy and fizzy slice of synth-sprinkled indie-pop; sweet honeyed vocals cruise coolly above an insistent bass/drum locked in groove as guitars shimmer and twinkle amid the lush and hazy cosmic atmospherics. It is super catchy, fresh and rather hypnotic – another absolute gem from Louiza.

Listen to ‘Kind Coincidence’ below and the White Light EP (limited edition cassette) is out on October 29, 2021.

Omaloma – ‘Cool ac yn Rad’

Welsh outfit Omaloma has etched out a rather special place on the musical landscape with blissful, spacey psych-pop; a statement vehemently laid out by a slew of stellar singles, 2020 debut album Swish and Roedd EP from earlier this year.

With that in mind, it is fine news indeed that Omaloma has released a new single ‘Cool ac yn Rad’ (Cool and Rad) – and happy to report it is unsurprisingly divine. Written by George Amor, performed by Amor and Llŷr Parim, the latter on recording and producing duties, it marks a shift away from the 80s synth sounds of Roedd. ‘Cool ac yn Rad’ bobs along a meandering groove carried along an undulating bassline as we are hypnotized with lush sugar spun melodies that mingle with gentle guitar and piano arrangement as Amor’s mellow, laid-back vocals soothe the soul. A charming and utterly, utterly divine earworm – this is Omaloma at their very, very best.

Listen to ‘Cool ac yn Rad’ below, out via Cae Gwyn Records – and in case it wasn’t clear enough, the back catalogue comes highly recommended.